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As she pulled on her clothes, she couldn’t help worrying about him. He was fast becoming the most important person in her life. She should have told him she loved him, but now she might never get the chance. His concern for her safety made her wonder about his. Could he be right? Could the attacks on her be related to this case? Maybe she should drive to Logan Industries and lurk around outside.
She wandered back into the living room, and a tap on the door jolted her out of her reverie. Had Jake called Laura anyway? It might be nice to have someone to talk to.
Suddenly glad for the company, she hurried to the door and tore it open. She realized her mistake in an instant, but by then, it was too late.
“Oh, my God.” She gasped and backed away.
Grayson stood on the step, pointing a black revolver at her heart.
Her eyes widened as she took in the anomaly of her usually dapper ex-fiancé, dressed in a ratty flannel shirt, worn jeans, and a blue baseball cap. It was the same combo her stalker had worn. Suddenly, it all came together. The random acts of violence she’d experienced after leaving him hadn’t been random at all. He’d probably worn the clothes again for effect. Her rejection must have unhinged him. The smirk on his face told her he was enjoying himself, the creep.
Jake pulled into his parking slot, walked through the front door, and headed for Samuel’s office.
Tad bumped into him in the hall and fell into step beside him. “I’m surprised to see you leave Sammy’s side. What’s up?”
“Samuels got a lead on those stock sales.”
Samuel looked up as Jake entered his office with Tad on his heels. “You made good time, Jake. Did you come solo?”
“Yep. I had a tough time, but I eventually made her stay home. I had to threaten to turn her over my knee.”
Tad let out a whoop of laughter. “I’d like to see you try it. You’d draw back a bloody stump.”
“That’s pretty much what she said,” Jake admitted wryly.
“I could have told you my darling daughter doesn’t take discipline well. I tried after she ran into traffic when she was six. She bit me. Hard! But let’s move on to less amusing subjects. Here’s the full report.”
Jake took the paper Samuel handed him. He glanced at the investigator’s report, and his shoulders tightened. Somehow, he wasn’t surprised. He’d always thought it was an inside job.
“The money trail from Sun-Worthy Investments led straight to Delbert Logan.”
Tad gasped and peered over Jake’s shoulder at the document. “Uncle Delbert? I don’t believe it. He’s been so nice to me since I came to work with him. He always welcomed me into his office to chat or visit Jennifer.”
Jake frowned at the disclosure. The whole murky scheme was starting to come into focus. Delbert had probably dangled the sultry Jennifer before Tad like a tempting bait. But why did he try to discredit Tad? Was it jealousy, or something darker? Or did he simply need a fall guy?
“Figures don’t lie, kid. You must admit, he’s been acting a little strange now that his retirement date is growing nearer.” Samuel heaved a heavy sigh. “I can hardly believe it myself. He’s always been my most trusted and loyal employee. He’s family, my second cousin. Delbert came to work for me right after I took charge of the firm from my father forty years ago. Do you think he’s the one who’s been selling our secrets to the highest bidder?”
“That’s what I’m about to ask him.” Jake took the report out of Tad’s hand and turned to Samuel. “Call the police and have them meet me in Delbert’s office. He has a lot of explaining to do. And I want the cops here when he spills his guts. Something tells me he wasn’t in this alone.”
Chapter 10
Samantha gasped and took a step back. “Grayson, what on earth are you doing here? The need for closure I can understand, but this is just plain pathetic.”
“Closure, my ass.” He sneered while brandishing the gun. “Do you think I was really in love with you? It was an act. All I want is your name on a marriage license, and I’m not fussy about how I get it. We’re going to Vegas to get married, sweetie pie. It’s all part of my master plan.” He chuckled.
Appalled, she gaped at him. Did he think he could get away with forcing her to marry him? He had to be bluffing. “Some master plan. You’re a fool if you think I’m going to marry you.”
He glowered at her. “That’s exactly what you’re going to do if you don’t want me to put a bullet in you. Jenny could assume your identity if you force my hand. She'd be quite convincing with a little hair dye and your ID. She’s done it before. She’s quite a good little actress.”
He wasn’t bluffing. Samantha cringed at the chilling threat. She suddenly did not doubt he would cheerfully carry it out. He was crazy. She could see that now. His suave mask had lifted to reveal the monster inside.
Still, she had one trump card he couldn’t beat. “No one in their right mind would believe I married you of my free will.”
He thrust a pad of paper into her hand. “Sure, they will. You’re going to leave one of your famous notes. Remember, you have a history of leaving notes and running away when the going gets tough. After the spat you and Ramsey had this morning, you decided to dump him and elope with me. Play along, and you’ll keep breathing.”
She cast a desperate look at the alarm box in the next room. It was too far away to push the panic button. She wished she was packing a gun.
Grayson grinned. “Once we’re married, your shares will be mine to control. And, with dear Uncle Delbert in my hip pocket, Logan Industries will finally be mine. Now write, before I have to get nasty. And don’t try to mess with me. I’m all out of patience as far as you’re concerned.”
